The Llantwit Fadre product made his Blues debut against the Border Reivers in January 2007 and while he suffered a broken leg in the Heineken Cup win away to Racing Metro in October 2011, he has since recovered to become an integral part of the Arms Park pack.

Down said: “It was an easy decision to sign again with the Blues.

“It’s my hometown region. I’ve played all my rugby here and come through the Academy system, so I always wanted to stay.

“It’s been really positive on a personal note to play a lot of rugby this year having picked up injuries in previous seasons. It’s good to play a lot of games in a row and I aim to stay in the team and hopefully build some wins up.

“It’s an important thing for any player to get a run of games to get some consistency and this is the first season I’ve been able to do that in a Blues shirt.”

While the Blues have had something of a torrid season up to now results-wise, Down believes the future for the region is bright.

He added: “We have a lot of talented young players who are gaining experience week in week out and I think, hopefully we will see that talent come through in wins.

“Certainly in seasons to come I can’t see any reason why we can’t challenge for honours with the talent we have, if we can keep hold of quality players.

“The Arms Park has always had a fantastic atmosphere and I grew up watching Cardiff RFC as it was then and then the Blues later on. It’s good to come back and the atmosphere is still great.

“Phil Davies has also come in and put in some systems and a new dynamic to training. I think we are only a few inches away from putting in a string of wins together and moving up the Rabo table.”

Having been called up to the Wales squad during the autumn internationals Down is eager to get back in the Wales squad.

“It was a real honour and privilege to be called up to the Wales squad, even though it was only for a short time.

“To contribute to the training was brilliant and to be in that environment gave me a taste of it and made me want it more.”